Forty Under 40

Chris Smith, 39

Partner,
tda architecture

Chris Smith is a hard man to keep up with — literally and figuratively. As one of two partners at TDA Architecture, Mr. Smith directs the firm's educational and sports facilities studios. In that role, he has overseen the design of more than $250 million in schools over the last 10 years, including the new John Adams High School in Cleveland.

The education focus helps TDA thrive while many architecture firms strive to survive the recession. Typically, education accounts for 60% of TDA's practice and retail work makes up the rest; these days, education accounts for 80% of TDA's practice because retail-oriented design is taking a drubbing in the downturn.

Mr. Smith said he and partner Bob Fiala dropped the ego part of their anatomy as they planned the firm, in part to differentiate it from big firms where they got their starts, and because of the education focus.

“We like to let the educators drive the design of the interior of the buildings,” Mr. Smith said, “and let the community's wishes drive the exterior. To do that, you have to let the ego out the door.”

That approach has worked well for TDA, which recently doubled the size of its office in a 19th-century livery building in downtown Willoughby by adding offices on the first floor for its staff of 27. When Mr. Smith joined the practice in 1999, the staff numbered 10.

Mr. Smith said he has wanted to be an architect since he was “this high,” and points to his knees.

While pursuing architecture and urban planning degrees at Kent State University, he also participated in track and field as a high jumper. Meeting his wife, Tara Smith, who also ran track, at Kent State opened another door for Mr. Smith.

When visiting one of her former coaches, the Cuyahoga Falls native became interested in serving as a volunteer coach. Today, he coaches cross country and track at Eastlake North High School and formerly coached basketball at Willoughby South High School.

“It makes me a better architect because I see how schools work on the inside. I also learn what is going on in kids' minds,” Mr. Smith said. “I enjoy mentoring and coaching.” Running with the students also gives him an athletic outlet to balance long workdays.

Mr. Fiala, TDA's managing partner, said it hasn't been unusual for Mr. Smith to make it into the office by 4 a.m., coach in the afternoon and then attend a community meeting at night.